overlook 1 of 2

Definition of overlooknext
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as in to dominate
to look down on the fortress overlooks the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to possess
to cast a spell on the superstitious grandmother actually believed that the baby had been overlooked by a gypsy woman

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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overlook

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noun

as in lookout
a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible just down the road there's a great overlook where you can get a panoramic view of the valley below

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word overlook distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of overlook are disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care.

in my rush I overlooked a key example

When would disregard be a good substitute for overlook?

While in some cases nearly identical to overlook, disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

When is it sensible to use forget instead of overlook?

While the synonyms forget and overlook are close in meaning, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind.

forget what others say

Where would ignore be a reasonable alternative to overlook?

The words ignore and overlook can be used in similar contexts, but ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is neglect a more appropriate choice than overlook?

The words neglect and overlook are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

When can slight be used instead of overlook?

In some situations, the words slight and overlook are roughly equivalent. However, slight implies contemptuous or disdainful disregarding or omitting.

slighted several major authors in her survey

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of overlook
Verb
This development is often overlooked because many Western observers continue to see China’s space program as a purely state-run enterprise. Rainer Zitelmann, Fortune, 2 July 2026 The Behavioral Side Of Conservatism One aspect of retirement planning that often gets overlooked is behavior. Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
The Sky Room in the OPC Museum includes an overlook of the campus through the stone words on the obelisk's exterior. Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 The 439-acre Black Rock State Park offers beautiful overlooks. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overlook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlook
Verb
  • Hong Kong/Hangzhou/Beijing — When humanoid robots dominated the stage of last year’s Spring Festival Gala with sleek dance routines, Ai Lin saw more than a spectacle.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • Brazil has dominated possession but has not turned that into opportunities to score.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Price is where almost every search starts, and the difference between countries is hard to ignore.
    Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • By the time the sponsor wants to sell, the buyer sees what the sponsor ignored.
    Louis Mosca, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • That enables Cadence’s system, which is supervised by physicians, to alert a clinician when a patient is deteriorating before a stroke or heart attack, for example.
    Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • Judge Stacy Street sentenced Beckwith to three years supervised probation, the court clerk confirmed to USA TODAY.
    Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Music industry experts reveal that successful artists possess crucial internal qualities beyond typical marketing tactics.
    Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • For as long as most of us have been alive, the United States has possessed the most powerful military the world has ever seen.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Link to earlier discovery The new findings come less than a year after Perseverance examined a rock called Cheyava Falls, which scientists described as one of the most intriguing samples collected on Mars.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2026
  • Take a couple of minutes to examine one testicle at a time.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Shoppers note that the shorts are roomy and don’t bunch up, and that the elastic waistband is forgiving even while bloated.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026
  • Debt settlement can negatively affect your credit score, and forgiven debt may have tax implications in some situations.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Both Ghana and England will walk away with a point after Ghana managed to hold off England in a heart-pounding final few minutes of stoppage time.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026
  • Most of the site sits on private land, with a smaller portion managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • There are stunning views of the city from the various lookouts atop Mount Royal.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 June 2026
  • The agency has also been urging doctors to be on the lookout and report any cases.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overlook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlook. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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